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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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$14

$32

$66

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Michigan is $32.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $36.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical field is maintained. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room staff to help ensure surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. Surgical First Assistants may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other certified professionals who have completed additional specialized training.

How do you become a surgical first assistant?

You can become a Surgical First Assistant by first getting certified as a Surgical Technologist. You can then pursue the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential to enhance your learning process as well as your professional profile. The minimum education requirement for this job is an associate degree, but some employers will prefer a bachelor’s degree prior to your certification. At your earliest opportunity, you should begin working in a medical environment, such as a hospital or clinic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical First Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile techniques, and typically a certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Familiarity with surgical instruments, advanced suturing techniques, and operating room technology is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate surgeons’ needs are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and optimal support for surgeons during procedures.

How does a surgical first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant works closely with the lead surgeon and the entire operating room team to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Their responsibilities include anticipating the surgeon’s needs, providing technical support such as tissue retraction, suction, and suturing, and maintaining clear communication throughout the surgery. Collaboration requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of surgical protocols. Effective teamwork is vital, as the assistant helps maintain sterile fields, manages instruments, and supports patient safety at every stage of the operation.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons during procedures, work closely in the operating roomPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both operate in the operating room environment but differ significantly. Surgical First Assistants actively assist surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications like CSFA. Surgical Technologists prepare the OR and support the surgical team but do not directly assist during surgery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during procedures, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical techniques. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in operating rooms with a team. The role provides meaningful work in patient care and typically involves a demanding schedule with high responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical first assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need to have a healthcare background such as a registered nurse, surgical technologist, or physician assistant, along with specialized training in surgical assisting. Certification through organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Association of Surgical Assistants (AASA) is often required or preferred. Additionally, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques is essential.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services. Typically, urban areas and regions with large hospitals or medical centers offer the highest compensation, especially for those with advanced certifications and experience. Salary can also vary based on the healthcare facility and geographic demand for surgical services.
More about Surgical First Assistant jobs

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For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Surgical First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,259 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Travel Surgical First Assistant - $3,406 per week

TalentBurst, Inc

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$3.4K/wk

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

TalentBurst, Inc is seeking a travel Surgical First Assistant for a travel job in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Surgical First Assistant
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: 09/28/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Title: Registered Nurse/RNFA/STFA
Will accept STFA or RNFA

Location: John St Kalamazoo
Duration: 13 Weeks
Shift: Day (5x8 Hours) 7:00 15:30 ( 8D/40W​)
**Start Date- Oct 5th**
Guaranteed Hours per Week: 40/week
Call Requirement: 12-18 days/month
Weekend Requirement: 2-3 weekends per month
**MUST be able to proficiently harvest vein endoscopically**
Will accept STFA or RNFA
5 years experience strongly preferred
Previous travel experience strongly preferred.
Float Requirement: General department FA coverage (including ortho, vascular, gyn, thoracic, and general surgeries), when cardiac is not applicable
Other requirements: CVOR experience required Must be able to proficiently harvest vein endoscopically, 1+years experience REQUIRED
26-28855(M)

Title: Registered Nurse/RNFA/STFA Will accept STFA or RNFA Location: John St Kalamazoo Duration: 13 Weeks Shift: Day (5x8 Hours) 7:00 15:30 ( 8D/40W​) **Start Date- Oct 5th** Guaranteed Hours per Week: 40/week Call Requirement: 12-18 days/month Weekend Requirement: 2-3 weekends per month **MUST be able to proficiently harvest vein endoscopically** Will accept STFA or RNFA 5 years experience strongly preferred Previous travel experience strongly preferred. Float Requirement: General department FA coverage (including ortho, vascular, gyn, thoracic, and general surgeries), when cardiac is not applicable Other requirements: CVOR experience required Must be able to proficiently harvest vein endoscopically, 1+years experience REQUIRED 26-28855(M)

About TalentBurst, Inc

TalentBurst Health & Life Sciences is an established provider of healthcare workforce solutions, servicing healthcare facilities across the United States for over 15 years. As a Joint Commission Certified Agency, our commitment to quality, integrity, and exceptional service has made us a trusted name in the healthcare staffing landscape.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals seeking fulfilling opportunities and healthcare organizations striving to maintain their high standards of care. We are committed to providing top-notch healthcare professionals with access to facilities where they can focus on delivering exceptional patient care and thrive.

Whether you're a nurse, allied health professional, or administrative personnel, we have the expertise to match your skills and aspirations with the perfect placement. 


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About TalentBurst

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

TalentBurst is a leading provider of Information Technology and Engineering staffing solutions based in Natick, Massachusetts, US. An industry veteran with two decades of experience in their portfolio, the company's services range from IT consulting, life sciences, HR solutions, payroll services, and more. TalentBurst was founded with a mission to provide world-class, global staffing services to clients of all sizes. They strive to provide unmatched quality and service to their clients, which has earned them the reputation of being a highly respected and trusted staffing firm.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Natick, MA, US

Year founded

2002

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